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December 2021 Newsletter
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Defense Minister Gantz at the Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS) Conference
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett spoke at a conference held on November 23 by the Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS) at Reichman University.
Below are some of PM Naftali Bennett’s remarks at the conference:
Discussing the Iranian nuclear threat, the prime minister disparaged the “legacy” he inherited from the previous government: 
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“When I entered the Prime Minister's Office six months ago, I was shocked by the gap between rhetoric and action. I found a disturbing disparity between statements claiming that Iran is unlikely to become nuclear and the legacy I received. Iran is at a very advanced stage of its nuclear program, as its enrichment machine is broader and more sophisticated than ever. In addition to advancing the nuclear program, Iran has also succeeded in consistently encircling Israel with a ring of militias from all sides. From the northeast, Shiite militias in Syria and from the south, Hamas and Islamic Jihad. They have surrounded Israel with missiles while sitting in Tehran. They sit and do us harm and shed our blood without leaving the house and without paying a price.”
Defense Minister Gantz revealed: “Iran attempted to transfer explosives from Syria to terrorists in Judea and Samaria using unmanned aircraft”
In his opening remarks, the minister said, “Israel is not a nation that dwells alone, and the Iranian threat is not just to Israel. Iran aspires to become a regional, and eventually a global, hegemon that will impose its extreme ideology, in which human rights are trampled, LGBT people are hanged, women are excluded, and resources are allocated for the benefit of the regime. .”
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The conference also featured a conversation between Prof. Uriel Reichman, founding president and chairman of the Board of Directors of Reichman University, and Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amos Gilead at the Security & Policy Conference convened by the Institute of Policy and Strategy at Reichman University.
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RRIS NYC Parents Brunch with Jonathan Davis
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Jonathan Davis 
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On Sunday November 17,  2021 AFRU hosted a Parents Brunch with Jonathan Davis, VP of external relations and head of the Raphael Recanati International School at a downtown Manhattan restaurant. The brunch was complete with stunning views of the Freedom tower. World renowned Chef Patrick Allouache catered the event with his creative and modern French cuisine. Jonathan and the AFRU team enjoyed meeting everyone!
Finding Love in Financial Economics
By Tamara Mizroch
Steffanie Arelle, 29, originally from Montreal moved to Israel as a child with her family. She recently graduated with an MA in Financial Economics from Reichman University. “During my BA in Business and Accounting, I had the opportunity to take a course on Introduction to Finance with Prof. Yaniv Grinstein. The course was excellent, and with Prof. Grinstein's encouragement I decided to pursue an MA degree in Financial Economics." After finishing her BA Summa-come laude and on the Dean's list, she enrolled in the MA program.
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Steffanie Arelle, Prof. Yaniv Grinstein, Head of the MA in Financial Economics, Dor Pinhas
(photo credit: Reichman University staff)
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credit: Reichman University staff
In addition to knowledge of finance, it was through Steffanie’s MA degree that she eventually met her husband, Dor Pinhas, while undertaking the mathematics preparatory courses. Both Dor and Steffanie were study partners at first. In January 2020, on completing her MA, she started work at Barclays Investment Banking as an analyst and was sent to London on a training course, unexpectedly the coronavirus pandemic began and Steffanie was sent back to Israel. At the end of her 14-day quarantine, Dor surprised her at her door with a ring and a proposal for marriage. Both currently work in the financial sector, Steffanie as an analyst at Barclays Investment Banking and Dor as a broker at Leader Capital Markets. They plan on living and working in Tel Aviv.
RAPHAEL RECANANTI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 
STUDENT AND STAFF HANNUKA LIGHTING
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Jonathan Davis, Head of the RRIS & VP External Relations with international students at the annual candle lighting ceremony on campus. 
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Candles were lit by Meir Yapheth Killekar, India, MBA, Gabriella Sugarman, USA, Communications, Shane Weissman, South Africa, Business Admin, Yardena Markuszower, Holland, Business & Entrepreneurship, Alper Aseo, Turkey, Business Admin.
Photo: Rami Sinai
Inauguration of the Institute for Liberty and Responsibility
On Monday, November 29, 2021, an event launching the Institute for Liberty and Responsibility was held under the theme “Israeli Democracy, A Snapshot.”
The Institute for Liberty and Responsibility is a new research institute at the School of Government, Diplomacy & Strategy and is headed by Dr. Amnon Cavari. The institute will be an important platform for the study of trends and processes in Israeli politics. It seeks to bolster the values, institutions, and processes necessary to ensure the continuation of liberal democracy in Israel in the spirit of the fundamental values enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, with an emphasis on respect for human rights and the rule of law. The goals of the institute will be achieved through the promotion of research and teaching in Reichman University’s spirit of academic excellence, and by influencing the Israeli political agenda and public discourse. 
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A South African Lunch at Israel’s Reichman University
By David E. Kaplan
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Tomorrow’s Leaders. South African students at Reichman University enjoy a Hanukkah boerewors braai (barbecue) and send the message: “Life is Good.” (Photo Yaron Peretz)
As one neared the wooded deck of the cafeteria at Reichman University – formerly IDC, Herzliya – the alluring aroma of the “boerewors” (special South African sausage)  directed this writer’s nostrils like a GPS. I was headed in the right direction and then the all too familiar South African accents assured me I was in the right place – a picturesque setting for the Hanukkah ‘braai’ (barbecue) for the over 100 South African students at the Raphael Recanati International School (RRIS).
If it was the aroma of the ‘boerewors’ directing me, there were far more profound reasons ‘directing’ and an ever-increasing number of Jewish school-leavers to leave South Africa and chose to come study in Israel. It was also a case of “right place, right time” – for the majority of these young South African Jews who the vast majority are opting for Reichman University where there are over 2000 overseas students from over 90 countries. All studying together in English, one third of the student body is American, one third from countries across Europe, and the rest from Latin America, Africa, Israel and Asia.
Behavioral economics to the rescue:
Becoming a savvy consumer on Black Friday
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Dr. Guy Hochman 
Head of MA Behavioral Economics Program
PhD Psychology, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology

 
One prime example is consumer behavior. Behavioral research, as well as day-to-day conduct, demonstrate time and time again that people are not savvy consumers. We overspend, buy products we don’t really need, etc. The main reason for this is a behavioral tendency called ‘present bias.’ This basic human tendency leads us to consider the here and now while neglecting our future. On top of that, other biases that influence our consumption habits are the ‘projection bias’ – the belief that my current preferences will be the same as future preferences, and overconfidence – our tendency to overestimate our abilities and chances to succeed.
Behavioral economics combines insights from economics and psychology to understand human nature. Based on this understanding, behavioral economists develop behavioral interventions that help people make better decisions for themselves and their society.
Save the Date- May 31st, 2022
Reichman University Class of 2021 Graduation
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Save the Dates: Reichman University Upcoming Campus Tour
December 26th, 2021 
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Save the Dates: January 7th, 2022
Reichman University Upcoming Campus Tour &
Virtual Information Session
We have a general on campus and virtual session with Jonathan Davis, Head of the RRIS, and Vice President of External Relations taking place on Friday, January 7th, 2022 to learn more about Reichman University firsthand. This session is geared towards prospective students and parents. The campus and virtual session will enable students and parents who want to learn more about the RRIS International School and the various degrees offered. Registrars will be participating LIVE during the session to interact with applicants and answer questions.  
*One day prior to the event you will receive the Zoom link to the session.
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RRIS Virtual Mini Series Info Sessions with Heads of Program:
December 2021 - January 2022
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We invite students interested in pursuing a master's degree at Reichman University to join our upcoming Virtual Information Session(s) with the Heads of the programs. This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the various MA degrees we offer and ask any specific questions you may have LIVE.
(You may select more than one session to attend)
US Times
19:00/7:00 PM Israel Time - 9:00 AM PST – 10:00 AM MDT – 11:00 AM CST - 12:00 PM EST
20:30/8:30 PM Israel Time - 10:30 AM PST – 11:30 AM MDT – 12:30 PM CST - 1:30 PM EST
21:00/9:00 PM Israel Time - 11:00 AM PST – 12:00 PM MDT – 1:00 PM CST - 2:00 PM EST

RSVP REQUIRED - (see below)
*One day prior to the event you will receive the Zoom link to the session.
RRIS Student of the Month: Noemie Doukhan
I’m Noemie Doukhan and I’m 22. I’m from Paris but moved to Israel 4 years ago and I’m now in 2nd year of Psychology at RU. When coming to Israel, I first did a Masa program and then did a sherut in Jerusalem the following year. My civil service lasted only one year and then I decided to begin my studies. I heard about IDC (now RU) from my best friend who is studying here, too in the Business & Entrepreneurship track. She told me about the amazing student life here. I also did my research about the psychology program and I really liked it. So far, I don’t regret choosing this area of study. This is my first time that I am in a framework where I have to speak another language than French and RU gives me the opportunity to discover people from different nationalities.
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Noemie Doukhan, France
BA Psychology at Reichman University